10 THINGS – Jenn Lyon

Being from North Carolina, what made you want to get into the entertainment industry and how did you get your start?

My Dad is a preacher, my grand dad was a preacher, and my uncle is a preacher- so I grew up doing church plays and singing in the choir. I think it was a pretty natural transition from a life of weekly performances to a life as a working actress. 

Before you started acting on film and television, the stage was your home and where you built your reputation as a performer. How was the transition for you with respect to the style and workflow onto the television platform?

I dreamed of a life in the theatre and am so lucky that I have gotten to live out that dream. I went to the North Carolina School of the Arts and it never occurred to me that I would have a life in film and TV because I was a stage actress and that’s all I cared about. But, I started to make sketch comedy in NYC with a group called “Poykpac” after I graduated and moved there and that was my foray into being on camera. We made so much content, but watching myself on camera through that group, I realized so many practical things: that I held my chin up super high and you could see straight up my nose, and that I talked entirely too loud because I was used to the stage. It taught me so much. 

Currently, you’re on TNT’s CLAWS, a fan favorite and hit series. How were you first introduced to the project and what was it about script that initially excited you?

I got the script and the audition for CLAWS the night before I had to go in. I laughed so hard reading it and just fell in love with these people and the language. It excited me that I had never seen these women or men on TV before. The dichotomy of their characters and set in the swamps and strip malls of Florida?! I was hooked.  

On the show, you play the role of Jennifer Husser. What are the good and not so good sides of Jennifer?

The good sides of Jen are her loyalty, her humor and her compassion. The not so good sides are her short temper and her insistence on wearing capri leggings.

What do you enjoy about bringing this is character to life the most?

What I love about Jenn is that she is unapologetically herself. In my real life, I am full of apology and regret and she is much braver and bolder than I am. 

In season one, to be honest, the show hit us with so many angles that we were not expecting. What can viewers expect to see in season two?

We are so proud to be a part of a story that showcases women of all colors, sizes and ages. Niecy frequently references being on the south side of 40 and all of the sudden a sex symbol, to which I say, “Damn Straight.” We have to stop sending the message to women that the only thing to be valued is youth. 

There’s a lot of girl power on the show, not only with the show creators but also the cast. What kind of affect has this had on your day to day and your career as a whole?

More nails, more drama, more laughs, more surreal moments, more connection. 

If you weren’t working as an actor, what career would you have instead?

If I wasn’t an actor, I would either be a therapist because I’m deeply interested in human behavior and service, or I would run a pit bull rescue because they are so misunderstood and special. 

When it comes to fashion, which designers fit your sense of style and personality?

I’m not that into fashion. Karrueche tries to help me, bless her heart, but I love Rachel Antonoff for her style and commitment to reproductive rights and I love Eloquii for dressing plus size women like regular women. And shout out to Rent the Runway for allowing those of us who can’t afford designer dresses and accessories for making them accessible. I’ve been using them for years.

Congrats on the great news. What are your thoughts are on getting another season and what the fans can expect for Season 3?

I screamed, marched around the house and called my parents! In regard to Season 3…. you’ll just have to watch!

 

Instagram: @TheJennLyon 

Twitter: @TheJennLyon

Photo Credits: Sam Lothridge